New 150g reef

[Gingerbeard]

Hello all, I’m just getting back into the hobby after a 10 year break and I have a few questions. I recently picked up a 48Lx24Wx30H 150g tank and stand. It’s not reef ready so I’ll have to drill the tank and plum in a sump, my question is I’ve never had a sump before is it easy to build my own and save money? What size sump should I use? I’ve only ever had a aio tank or have used a canister filter and I know that for a reef tank a sump is the best way to go. Also since the tank is so deep what light would you recommend for it. I’d like to keep a variety of corals, maybe a bta and a clam. They’ve always cought my eye. If any one has sump plans or pictures they could help me with it would be greatly appreciated. All advice I can get will help Thanks in advance

 

[jsker]

Welcome back to reefing and to R2R!!

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Howdy and welcome.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Just got back.

You can buy DIY baffles to install in a glass tank to make a sump. eBay has them and instructions are available online. Save a ton of money compared to an acrylic sump. Petco sometimes does a $1 a gallon tank sale so a sump could cost very little if planned ahead. The size of the sump depends on your stand. The biggest you can fit is best.

Tons of light choices for you. The clam gonna need high par so keep that in mind along with budget of course. Have a good plan and drill bit to drill the glass. If not 100% confident on drilling you can always get a HOB. Overflow and return.

Sounds like you a planning a nice tank. You can so a build thread so we can see pix and follow your progress.

 

[Scdell]

I have the same tank. It's going to be a challenge for sps. It's a deep tank. Curious as to what stand you have for it? I built my own stand. I had to build a short stand to enable me to reach the bottom of the tank. I need to stand on a chair to do that! Short stand limited me with a sump and a protien skimmer. It can be done though.

 

[SPR1968]

Welcome to R2R it’s great to have you with us!

The bigger the sump the more equipment you can put in so just go as big as you can. It will also increase the total system water volume which will make keeping the water parameters stable easier